The percutaneous absorption of phenolic compounds: the effect of vehicles on the penetration of phenol.

The effects of interactions between drug and skin, drug and vehicle, and vehicle and skin on the overall penetration rate of a drug through the skin may be evaluated by comparison of penetration rates through excised skin and an inert reference membrane such as polyethylene. Dimethyl sulphoxide, dimethyl formamide, ethanol and water increase the permeability of the skin but because of reduced thermodynamic activities in the vehicles low penetration rates are observed.